Nikkii G. Massey

Nikkii Glenn Massey passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his beloved family on May 4, 2020. Nikkii was born in Tildenville, Florida on March 20, 1940 and grew up in Apopka, Florida. He graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in 1958 then moved to New York, where he worked for the Statistical Research Corp before joining the Air Force. For 26 years Nikkii proudly served his country and was stationed in the USA, Europe, and Asia, spending three consecutive tours in Vietnam. For his outstanding service he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service and Humanitarian Medal, as well as the Commendation and Good Conduct Medals. Nikkii was a proud Veteran and served his country in the armed services until his retirement 1988.  

In 1989, Nikkii became “Bull Island’s” one and only Ice Cream Man. For the next 14 years, hardly ever missing a summer day, he dutifully delivered an assortment of ice cream with an abundance of warm smiles to the citizens of Poquoson. From the window of his truck Nikkii encouraged the children of his adopted home town to work hard in school and gave them free ice cream if they made the honor roll as a powerful incentive. After serving ice cream to the people in Poquoson for as long as his health would allow, his last act of thoughtfulness was the donation of his Ice Cream truck to Sarah Bonwell Hudgins, a Foundation to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and development disabilities. In Poquoson, he will long be remembered as, “Mr. Nikkii, the Ice Cream Man.”

Nikkii was a man of many interests and talents. He made community service a priority in his life. He served on the Poquoson Youth Advisory Board as Chairman for many years where he enjoyed helping to implement many projects that benefitted his community. He also became a patron of the arts later in life. He and his wife Judi volunteered their services at CNU Ferguson Center for the Arts greeting guests and enjoying the many performances they were able to attend.  

Nikkii was a man of great faith and member of Emmaus Baptist Church in Poquoson, VA. He loved his church and his church family. No one was a stranger to Nikkii, he enjoyed greeting people at church with a big smile and a firm hand shake. Throughout his life, he always maintained a positive attitude.  When asked how he was doing he would answer, “Blessed by the Best,” and/or…“Better Than I deserve.”

Nikkii was preceded in death by his parents: Wonnie and David Massey; siblings:  Ellen Massey, Jackie Massey, Robert Massey, and Kenny Massey. He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife Judith Massey, Poquoson, VA: Step-Sons: Darren D. Defendeifer, Arlington, VA, Derek J. Defendeifer and Daughter-in-Law Jenny J. Defendeifer, Poquoson, VA; grandson Finn J. Defendeifer, Poquoson, VA; and sons: Dwayne M. Gray, Troy and D’Lon Massey; sibling’s: David Massey, Leroy Massey, Curtis Massey, Linda Massey, Leon Massey, Sr., Carl Massey, the Patriarch of the Massey family, uncle Curtis Massey (93), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Nikkii’s family would like to sincerely thank the many friends and loved ones for their help and support over the last 20 years of chemotherapy. A special thanks for the care and kindness that was extended to Nikkii by Dr. Scott Cross, his nurse  Barbara Piper, and the staff at Virginia Oncology in Norfolk, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Poquoson Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 20099, Poquoson VA. 23662 or to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were graciously handled by Claytor Rollins Funeral Home. A beautiful graveside service was held on Monday, May 11, 2020 at Parklawn-Wood Memorial Cemetery for the immediate family. Due to the current pandemic,  Military Honors will be held at Parklawn-Wood Memorial Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life that will be held at Emmaus Baptist Church at a date to be determined in the future.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nikkii G. Massey, please visit our floral store.